Security Is A Process, Not One Plugin
No single tool can make a website permanently secure. Good security combines updates, access control, backups, monitoring, and careful administration.
Keep Software Updated
Outdated content management systems, plugins, themes, and libraries are common entry points. Remove software that is no longer maintained.
Protect Administrator Accounts
- Use unique long passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication.
- Remove unused accounts.
- Give users only the access they need.
- Do not share administrator credentials.
Secure The Computer Used To Manage The Site
A secure server cannot protect credentials stolen from an infected computer or phishing page. Keep devices updated and avoid saving passwords in unsecured files.
Limit File Upload Risk
Allow only necessary file types, keep upload directories from executing scripts when possible, and scan uploaded content.
Use Backups That Attackers Cannot Easily Reach
Keep copies outside the hosting account and test restoration. A backup is especially important after ransomware, deletion, or malicious changes.
Monitor For Unexpected Changes
Watch for new administrator users, changed files, unfamiliar scheduled tasks, unusual redirects, and sudden traffic spikes.
Use HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS protects login credentials and other data in transit. It does not replace application security, but it is a basic requirement.
Respond Quickly
If compromise is suspected, preserve logs, change credentials, isolate the affected site, identify the entry point, clean the environment, and update vulnerable software before restoring service.